Archive for the ‘Sports Fashion’ Category

Step 1:Know your body type.

Your shape––where you naturally distribute weight––determines which swimsuit will look best on you. Measure your hips at the widest point, waist at the smallest point, and bust at the fullest point for the best reference, since swimsuit sizing and styling depend on these ratios. Here are suggested interpretations of your body shape:

Pear shape: If your hips are significantly wider than both your waist and bust, you’re probably a pear.

Apple shape: If your waist is significantly wider than your hips, and equal to or nearly as wide as your bust, you might be an apple.

Hourglass shape: If your bust and hips are about the same width, but your waist is significantly smaller, you’re a classic hourglass.

Straight (also known as ruler or banana shape): If you’re thin all around, with no significant difference between your hips, waist and bust, you’re a straight shape.

Step 2:Prepare yourself.

Before heading out to buy a swimsuit, take care of any necessary hair removal. Remove any hair you don’t want to be showing while you’re trying on your swimsuit, especially if you’re going to be modeling for someone else to judge. And do not forget to wear underwear! Every store with swimwear requests that its patrons try on their bikinis and swim shorts with undergarments still on, and besides, do you really want to take the hygiene risk of going bare?

Step 3:Choose an appropriate swimsuit store.

There are boutiques that specialize in swimsuits (everything from sporty wear to poolside glamor) so do your research to find one that will work for you. Additionally, if you’re not too particular about your swimwear, many clothing brands have their own swimsuit ranges available in department stores. Online shopping is another possibility but is probably best reserved for swimsuit duplicates when you already know what kind of swimwear fits you and you just need a few extras or a renewal of the same brand.

Step 4:Choose colors and fabrics that will highlight your best features and downplay your less-loved parts.

The secret to a good swimsuit is drawing the eye to the most flattering parts of your figure; this will help you to feel more comfortable as well as looking your best. Here are some basic tips to follow:

To highlight a feature you like, use a bright color or pattern.

To hide something you don’t like, use a solid color.

If you have pale skin, use black or deep jewel tones, such as dark purple, navy, and maroon.

If you have dark skin, bright colors can actually be more flattering and help hide what you don’t like.

To add volume (such as to the bust or hips), choose a piece with ruffles in that area.

To hide volume (such as on the waist), use shirred or ruched fabric.

Don’t be afraid to buy separates that don’t match perfectly! Say you want to highlight your bust but draw attention away from your hips. You might buy a bikini top in a bright solid or pattern, and a bottom that’s a dark black, blue or brown (depending on the top).

Step 5:Select the right cut.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you might want to favor/avoid:

A one-piece will hide your waist. Choose one with shirred panels over the stomach, or in a dark, solid color.

A 1940s-style, bathing-beauty bottom that’s high-waisted can also help hide a waist. Again, go with a dark color or shirring.

A tanking will highlight your waist, because it draws the eye to the section of skin that’s showing. If you love your waist but not so much your hips or bust, choose this.

Boyshorts make your hips look wider, regardless of color. If you have a large bust and want the hips to match for a classic hourglass shape, choose boyshorts. However, be aware that this style can feel uncomfortable for some women, so be certain of fit before you purchase anything.

High-cut bikini bottoms make legs look longer. If you’re short, or you’re long in the torso, this is a good selection.

Halter tops draw attention to the bust, as do triangle tops.

Tie-front bikini tops draw the eye to the bust, as well as pulling the breasts closer to one another, effectively making them look larger. If you have small breasts and want them to look larger, this might be a good fit.

Bandeau tops will make the bust seem wider. If you’re a pear shape and you want to imitate an hourglass shape, choose a bandeau top with ruffles or another busy detail.

For a large bust, look for a straight across cut at the top of your swimsuit with wide set straps to minimize your bust. Try a bikini top with an under wire and a thick chest band for extra support. A thick chest band will prevent jiggling so that the bra stays where it should be and you can’t fall out.

Step 6:Select the swimsuit suitable to its primary use.

It’s pointless buying a string bikini if you plan on swimming laps or surfing; it’ll be floating off in no time, embarrassing you no end. Bikinis are fairly limited in terms of active workouts in a pool or the sea, but a more solid tanking would hang in there no problems. Sports swimsuits often have added features to help with support, streamlining and comfort, so check them out if you’re planning on doing more than keeping cool by the pool.

Most lifeguard work requires a one piece swimsuit in a plain color, perhaps the color of your lifesaving crew. You might also need to add shorts or a wetsuit to complete the uniform.

One piece swimsuits can be very sexy, especially when you choose nice colors and a flattering fit for your body.

Step 7:Ask a professional for help.

If you’ve tried shopping on your own and just can’t find anything that works, request some assistance. Go to a store that carries styles you generally like, and ask a salesperson for his or her take on your situation.

Gone are the days when all a basketball player needed to do was to lace up a pair of no-frills Chuck Taylor All Stars and run down the court to play the game. Basketball shoes have gone a long way since then. Ever since Earvin Magic Johnson and Larry Bird revived the National Basketball Association with their team-first style of play characterizing the intense rivalry of their Lakers and Celtic teams, the technology behind basketball shoes have grown by leaps and bounds.

Converse initially ruled the roost, with Magic, Bird and Sixers star Julius Erving endorsing the brand. Even Michael Jordan sported a Converse when he first rose to national prominence by leading his North Carolina Tar Heels to the NCAA championship in 1981. Half a decade later, Jordan started endorsing the Nike brand. Suddenly, basketball shoes had air or gel underneath it to help lessen the impact of constant jumping and running, and design was further improved to help support a player’s ankle and soles.

All these improvements come at a price. Combined with the collectible factor of the shoes, some may fetch incredible amounts. Here are the top ten most expensive basketball shoes in the world.

1. Air Jordan I – $25,000

Air Jordan I

The Jordan I had two versions. The original had a red and black design that was banned by the NBA as the rules state that shoes must have some white on them. Jordan loved the Peter Moore-designed shoes, however, and insisted on using it during games. As a result, he got fined $5,000 each game he would play with the disallowed sneakers. Jordan and Nike eventually relented and replaced the design with a red, black and white combination. A black and metallic gold version was released in March 1985 in Asia. Only 12 pairs were created and these now cost $25,000.

2. Air Mag – $12,000

Air Mag

In 1989, the sequel of the smash hit Back to the Future was released. Michael J. Fox, the star of the movie, sported a pair of futuristic sneakers in the film. That pair is the Nike Air Mag. Nike eventually released it, though only 20 pairs were made. Michael J. Fox had previously appeared as a basketball player in the 1985 movie Teen Wolf, and he has been spotted watching the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden. Still, he is not a professional basketball player. Yet, the shoe that he made famous is the second most expensive pair of basketball shoes today.

3. Air Jordan V – $10,000

Air Jordan V

This featured a reflective tongue and clear rubber soles. It is also the first shoe that sported lace locks, thus allowing the user to easily strap the shoe. The mid sole has shark teeth shapes, which were probably copied from World War 2 fighter planes where Hatfiled drew inspiration. A version with the number 23 printed at the back in black and metallic silver was created in February 1990 specifically for Jordan and they now cost $10,000. A retail version was later released without the number 23.

4. Air Jordan I – $8,000

Air Jordan I

A pair combining metallic white and metallic silver was released in March 1985. It had pearlized leather and only 1,200 were created.

5. Air Jordan VI – $7,200

Air Jordan VI

This is the last of the Air Jordans with the Nike Air logo. It featured reinforcement materials in the toe area, two holes in the tongue and molded heel to protect the Achilles tendon. It came in five different color combinations, namely black/infrared, white/infrared, white/carmine black, white/sport blue and off white/maroon. It was the shoe Jordan used when he and the Bulls won the championship against the Lakers. The white/carmine black version now fetches $7,200, as it was the color Jordan used during the 1992 Olympics that featured the original Dream Team.

6. Air Jordan III – $4,500

Air Jordan III

When the original designer of Jordan I, Peter Moore, was let go by Nike, Jordan almost went with them. He decided to stay however after seeing Air Jordan III, the first Air Jordan designed by Tinker Hatfield. It featured the now iconic Jumpman logo, an air unit at the heel and leather finish. Jordan went on to have a stellar year, winning a memorable Slam Dunk contest against Dominique Wilkins, grabbing the All Star Game MVP award the following day, and at the end of the year, bagging Defensive Player of the Year honor.

7. Adidas KB8 Selection – $3,000

Adidas KB8 Selection

It was named KB8, in honor of Kobe Bryant’s jersey number. The shoe was later renamed Crazy 8 after Bryant left Adidas in 2002. Bryant is also sporting a new number now, ditching his old number 8 for 24. Only 2 pairs of the golden shoe were made and they were intended for the 1998 Slam Dunk contest. Waning interest in the contest forced its cancellation, however, and Bryant never got the chance to wear the shoe.

8. Air Jordan XI – $2,700

Air Jordan XI

Jordan first used this pair in 1995 when he made a comeback in the middle of the season after a brief fling with minor league baseball. Though he had several memorable games that season, particularly the buzzer beater against the Atlanta Hawks in just his fourth game back, and the 55-point game against archrival New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, the Bulls fell short that year after losing to the Orlando Magic in the playoff. With the condura nylon top and carbon fiber plates allowing a lighter weight and better torque, Jordan used it again the following season. In his first full season back, the Bulls regained the title. He then used the shoes in his movie Space Jam with the number 45, his number in the season when he came out of retirement, printed at the back.

9. Air Force I Chamber of Fears – $2,500

Air Force I Chamber of Fears

The original Air Force I was created in 1982 and have been tagged as the most influential sneakers of all time. In 2005, a black, red and gold version was released, with half going to Asia and the rest remaining in the US. It is only available in auctions or as giveaway items.

10. Air Force I Four Horsemen – $2,500

Air Force I Four Horsemen

Nike designed this shoe especially for LeBron James during the 2004 ESPY Awards. Less than 12 pairs were made.

In the past, the gym bag was a bag and nothing more. It was a place for you to keep your workout clothes and that was all. Today however, gym bags have evolved significantly and there are many types out there and many of them have been created for the fashion conscious. They also come with many great features that are beneficial for those who regularly go to the gym. This article is going to look at some of the most important features that a bag should have when you are choosing it.

It is important to remember that depending on what physical activity take part in you will properly need a different sort of bag. For example, someone with new boxes will need space in the back for gloves, where as someone who runs will need extra space for a pair of running shoes.

Gym Bag

The Gym Bag Essential: Storage Space

Don’t think that storage space necessarily means that you need a lot of room. A common thought among people who are buying a gym bag is that the more space it has the better. However, this leads to the problem that the bag may have only a few items in it and this can make it difficult to carry and not good-looking. Consider what you take to the gym before selecting the bag and decide how much space you need before you buy. Also remember that it should easily be able to fit into a gym sized locker.

Consider the Construction Material

A bag is something that people tend to throw around, it moves from the boot of the car, to the gym locker, to the laundry room. In most of these places it is either being dumped or crammed into a small space. This means that the bag you select needs to be durable and it should be made from a material that lasts, nylon and cotton are good and strong options that are also not expensive.

Leather is something that is popular because it looks good and is also durable. Unfortunately it comes with a major disadvantage – it absorbs smells in the long-term. If you’re stuffing your smelly gym clothes and trainers into the bag for months on end, eventually the leather is going to start to smell and you are not going to be able to wash the smell out.

Multiple Compartments And Multiple Bags

Multiple Gym Bags

There are several reasons why you need multiple compartments in a bag. Before you go to the gym you’re going to want to separate your clean clothes from your trainers. When you are finished in the gym you’re going to want a space to keep your smelly clothes and you’re not going to want your casual clothes to have absorbed smells while in the bag. Keeping everything compartmentalized or in separate bags is essential. If you are swimming it will also mean you can keep the rest of your gear dry.

These are just some of the factors you should consider when buying a sport bag for the gym. Remember to assess your requirements before you go out shopping.

Choosing the appropriate clothes for sports is crucial to good performance; if you are not comfortable in what you are wearing, you can never perform well. Usually all sports have almost same standards when it comes to clothes, so selecting the perfect ones for yourself should not be a big deal. However, here are a few tips to help you in buying the perfect sports clothing;

Avoid bulky or loose clothes

When doing sports, players want to focus on the game alone, for this reason the clothes the player is wearing should never come in his/her way. Tightly fitted clothes will make sure that player concentrates fully on the game without bothering about what he/she is wearing. Moreover, tight clothes enhance ventilation. However, running clothes like track suits are often loosely fitted but they do well with casual running.

No more cotton

When buying sports clothing especially cycling clothes the fabric should be taken into account; avoid buying cotton clothes. Cotton clothes have the tendency to hold moisture and get bulky. On the other hand, synthetic fabric keeps moisture away from the body keeping it dry and ventilated and when doing sports you do not want to get all wet with sweat.

Bacteria protection

Physical activity give rise to sweating and that may produce bad body odor. But if antimicrobial clothes are used, bad odor can be minimized. In addition to this, these clothes also guard the players against certain infections and health risks. So, always go for apparels which have antibacterial properties.

Cost price

Price may vary according to what brand you go for. There are several brands which are too expensive and offer same quality and style as offered by other reasonable vendors. Just ensure not to get overly expensive apparel.

Comfort and style

Because fashion trends keep on evolving and sportswear are now being closely linked to fashion, it is important to choose something that is comfortable as well as stylish or trendy. Pick something that matches your personality. Go for styles and colors which are in fashion. You can always compliment your clothes with proper footwear and several accessories like wristbands and bags.

Temperature

Keeping the body at its normal temperature while gaming is important and to avoid feeling too hot during the physical activity, lightweight breathable fabrics like spandex or polyester should be picked. On the other hand, during winter season, clothes with sufficient layering should be chosen so that the body stays warm enough to be able to perform properly.

The sportswear industry has evolved so much that there are different and specific sports clothing for every specific sport; for example, cycling clothes are different from running clothes and similarly, other sports also have their own specific standards in clothes. Although the basic standards remain the same, the apparels designed specifically are aimed for enhancing performance and meeting the user requirements.

Apart from the above mentioned tips, the type of clothes one chooses is a matter of personal preferences and comfort level.